Japan Successfully Lands on Moon, Yet Lander Power Issues Mark Mission as ‘Minimum Success’

Tokyo [Japan]: Japan has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the fifth nation to execute a successful soft landing on the moon with its robotic explorer, the ‘Moon Sniper.’ However, concerns have emerged over the mission’s potential premature end due to the spacecraft’s solar cell not generating electricity, as reported by CNN, citing the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

JAXA confirmed the receipt of signals from the lander, indicating normal communication. The uncrewed Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) mission touched down around 10:20 am ET on Friday (12:20 am local time), as per telemetry data shared during JAXA’s live broadcast.

Presently, the lander operates on limited battery power, expected to last only a few hours. The JAXA team is analyzing data to identify the cause of the solar cell issue and determine the next steps. The solar cell problem may be attributed to the spacecraft not aligning with its intended direction, as per JAXA officials.

Despite challenges, there is optimism that the solar cell might recharge with changes in the lunar solar angle. However, the outcome depends on SLIM’s ability to endure the frigid lunar night, as mentioned in a team news conference.

JAXA considers the mission a “minimum success” as the spacecraft achieved a precise and soft lunar landing using optical navigation. Japan now stands as the third country to land on the moon in the 21st century and the fifth overall. JAXA director general Dr. Hitoshi Kuninaka, known for candid comments, rated SLIM’s landing operation at “60 out of 100.”

The team is actively collecting scientific data obtained by the lander. Additionally, the two lunar rovers released by the lander, LEV-1 and LEV-2, are being monitored. LEV-1 uses a hopping mechanism and features wide-angle visible light cameras, scientific equipment, and antennas for Earth communication. LEV-2, equipped with cameras, can alter its shape to move across the lunar surface.

While signals are received from LEV-1, confirmation of LEV-2’s status awaits further data. The SLIM robotic explorer, known as “Moon Sniper,” carried new precision technology for a “pinpoint” landing. Unlike previous missions covering large zones, SLIM targeted a landing site just 100 meters (328 feet) across, utilizing image-matching-based navigation technology for adjustments during descent onto a sloped lunar surface. JAXA continues efforts to assess the accuracy of SLIM’s landing, with a complete evaluation expected within a month